Just wondering yo guys would shoot a jake or wait for a mature bird?

If it is the first turkey you ever killed, than I'm okay with it.


After that, only shoot Toms; and not as they fly down from their roost tree.

Nope, never have, always wait for a gobbler with at least an 8-10 inch beard...

Jakes get a free pass by me. I have no problem with anyone else killing one though.

Yep I understand. Have taken many mature birds but this year all I see are jakes. I have seen 1 tom so far so not sure if they aren't coming out feeding with hens or what. It has been a differant year for turkey movement and habits.

I'm with Sheridan....if your new to it, roll that dude up! I myself don't shoot them, although I folded one up one time that was gobbling his head off. He came in at daylight like the real deal! Fooled me, and I've hunted all my life. Didn't feel a need to study looking at his beard when I could watch him gobble!

My first two were jake's(I'm a self taught turkey hunter),now I let them walk.

I will still shoot a BIG jake. im not gonna go shootin a bird with a 3" beard...butget up to 6" ill take em.

I haven't killed that many, so yes I will

Its dinner. That is all that matters.
Looks like this is gonna be a trophy or nothing thread.